Exchange Student Stories

Our students are truly amazing. They are constantly showing us what exchange is all about - in their communities, at school, and with their host families. Get ready to be inspired by our students! Read about their unique experiences while on program and see how being an exchange student has impacted their lives.

Do you want to share how special your student is? Nominate your student to be our "Ayusa Student of the Month" for the chance to see them featured here.

Star Student of the Month, September 2011Theerapong from Thailand - Star Student of the Month, September 2011Read Story

The Simple Joy of Visiting a Drive-Through Restaurant

The Simple Joy of Visiting a Drive-Through Restaurant

Theerapong (nicknamed “Boom”) from Thailand has been living in Nebraska with the Hestermann family for over a month now. His host family has been greatly impressed with his positive attitude, thoughtfulness and willingness to embrace the intercultural experience. He has been very active in making friends, getting to know people, and is very involved in school activities such as the Science Club and tennis team.

Boom’s contagious attitude was already evident when he attended an Open House prior to the start of school. He heard his name being shouted by a group of his new tennis teammates, whom he had met a short time before at a preseason tennis meeting. He had already made friends and school hadn’t even begun! Boom continues to make friends and is doing well in all of his classes.

He has also embraced the American experience at home with his host family. Boom’s family describes him as “respectful of the rules and an attentive listener who asks questions if he doesn’t understand.” He has been open to eating all American food, and recently ordered food from a drive through window for the first time ever. However, he was happy to get a bottle of chili sauce so he could add some much-missed spice to his meals.

His host mother shares a story about Boom’s support and flexibility during an uncomfortable time:

"My dad fell and had to be moved to a nursing home care facility. I needed to go to another town to check on both parents, so I explained to Boom he could stay home or come with me. I was pretty clear about what it would be like—many older people who were not very mobile, etc. He decided to come with me and we talked on the drive up about how difficult it was to have my parents get older and have medical problems. He was great with my dad—he talked with him and pushed his wheelchair around. He was also very patient while we completed some paperwork, and was in general friendly and respectful to the other patients and staff at the facility. Overall, I felt much better about the trip due to his support."

Reflections on a Year in the U.S.Raneen from Israel is thankful for her experienceRead Story

Reflections on a Year in the U.S.

Reflections on a Year in the U.S.

Not knowing what you’re getting yourself into and walking an unknown path might sound scary to a lot of people, and that’s why they let their fear get the best of them and prevent them from doing what they want. But that wasn’t the case for me. Walking an unknown path and not knowing my destiny was what made this whole experience exciting in my eyes.

I chased my dream of becoming an exchange student in the United States and accomplished it by believing that nothing is impossible. Even though a lot of people said otherwise, I believed and most importantly I believed in myself. It got me where I am today; living my dream in Franklin, North Carolina with the Stringer family.

Living away from home had taught me so many lessons, things that I ran into before but never learned an actual lesson from, because I always thought if I want something I will rely on someone else to do it for me instead of doing it myself. But here, I’ve learned to be more responsible. Being a year older and more independent has opened my eyes and made me wiser.

I think that Ayusa provides the best exchange program there is to make peoples’ dreams come true and I’m thankful to them and also The Department of State and to whoever made this possible; they were a big part of making my dream come true. I would like to thank God, YES and Ayusa staff, along with my family and host family for giving me such an amazing year, a year that I will remember as long as I live, and it’s going to be a story to tell over and over again.

Lastly, all the people out there—young or old—I just want to say to you: “Dream and if you want to dream, dream big because dreams do come true and also believe in yourself because if you don’t, then no one else will.”

A Beautiful Voice Sings "We Are Family"Milou from the Netherlands - Star Student of the Month, May 2011Read Story

A Beautiful Voice Sings "We Are Family"

A Beautiful Voice Sings "We Are Family"

Since arriving in the U.S. last July from the Netherlands, exchange student Milou has greatly impressed her host family and teachers with her intelligence, optimism, leadership and school involvement.

Milou’s enthusiasm for being involved at school and her eagerness to meet new people and experience new things is described as one-of-a-kind by her teachers. Almost immediately upon arrival, Milou signed up for the speech and drama programs. She has since participated in two school plays, where her excellent dancing abilities and willingness to assist other students with their choreography and dance has really made her stand out. She also joined and has excelled at the Speech Team, placing first and in the top three several times! However, this isn’t all — Milou has a wonderful voice and is a leader in the choir and has participated in several pop music groups. She can also be seen at many athletic events cheering with the other students.

Milou’s optimism in the face of hardship has also endeared her to her host family and teachers. In November, her host family lost their home and all of their belongings in a house fire. Instead of asking to be transferred to another family, she remained with her American family and has helped support them through this time. As Milou says, “We are family!”

American Student Expands His Horizons in GermanyLearning to be Open Among the BenefitsRead Story

Bingham High student expands his horizons in Germany

Bingham High student expands his horizons in Germany

Right now, Tanner Palmer, a 16-year-old junior from Bingham High in South Jordan is spending a year living and studying in Germany. He was one of 250 American students awarded the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship to study in Germany for the 2010-2011 academic year.

This foreign exchange program was designed by the U.S. Congress and the German Parliament [called Bundestag] to strengthen ties and share cultural insights between German and American youth.

The program provides American students a full merit-based scholarship to study abroad in Germany, while offering the same opportunity for German students to study in America. For the application process, Tanner needed to write six essays on different topics, have the recommendation of two of his teachers and submit transcripts for his previous three years of school. After being accepted, he had to complete another 10-page application form to help Ayusa Global Youth Exchange, the organization which administers the program, match him with the right host family.

Tanner is living in Rheinberg, Germany, with the Loeffeck family. His host mother, Tanja, is a widow,, with a 17-year-old son, Niklas. Tanner attends the Gymnasium Adolfinum in Moers, with Niklas. He began his year abroad in August and will return in June .Before starting school at the Gymnasium, Tanner attended four weeks of language school to improve his German.

Tanner said one of the best things about the experience is learning, not just to speak better German, but "how much you learn about yourself. Right now I'm practically fluent in German, and I know the German culture pretty well, but I've grown up as a person, and learned a lot more about myself as a person. This is a really hard experience, and as my dad always says, 'This will probably be one of the hardest things you do in your life' and it really is, but I know when I get back, it will make everything seem a lot easier."

"The hardest thing is probably being away from your family and friends in America. I have gone through a few rough times here, and I could only contact my family through email, skype, or a pay phone," Tanner said.

"For me right now, I feel like all the hard times are gone. I don't have any homesickness, I can speak enough German to live here, and I have all my friends to help me out. Now it's just time to enjoy the rest of my year here," he added.

Tanner says that most of the strangest cross cultural experience he's had have happened in his P.E. classes. "It's always funny when people think, 'Wow, you must be really good at football and basketball.' They all think that because I'm American, and it's just funny when I tell them I can't play football or basketball at all."

Tanner thinks his year abroad will have a big impact on his future. "I'll probably be more open to people and new ideas, and I won't really be afraid of trying anything new. This is one of the hardest experiences of my life, and when I get back, I'll be able to look at everything with a new perspective. Most important is probably the openness to new things; I've learned to be open, and that's a skill everyone should have," he said.

Todd Palmer, Tanner's father also thinks this experience will have a great impact on Tanner. "Having Tanner gone has been a real experience. It has been difficult to watch him struggle, but thrilling to see him learn and grow. So much in life is learning to overcome obstacles and it has been wonderful to watch Tanner develop his own problem solving skills. Tanner took the initiative to get involved in this program and has really done well with the unknown. He is not only learning a new language but enjoying a new culture and making many new friends."

Helping American Students Understand the HijabA Muslim Tradition Explored in More DepthRead Story

Helping American Students Understand the Hijab

Helping American Students Understand the Hijab

Ruaa is a YES student from Yemen living in Bandon, OR. She is a devout Muslim who has done fantastic with her host family. Ruaa is the first exchange student at Bandon High School to wear a hijab each day.

Recently, her Global Studies teacher, Mr. Moore, had Ruaa give a presentation on the hijab, explaining why she wears it. He then assigned "The Hijab Project" to the girls in the class, asking them to wear the hijab for two days, and then write a report about their experience.Ruaa was so excited to share this with her Regional Director, and she said it really helped her to connect better with the girls in her school because they finally understood a little bit of what she has been dealing with every day since she got here.

We hope that other YES students will be inspired by Ruaa’s example of building cross-cultural understanding in their own schools and communities.

Learning the Language of Sarcasm - and LoveMarieke from Germany - Star Student of the Month, January 2011Read Story

Learning the Language of Sarcasm - and Love

Learning the Language of Sarcasm - and Love

I had expectations of what I wanted all of us to get from this hosting experience, but I had no idea we would be developing what I think will be a lifelong friendship-not only with our host-daughter, Mareike, but with her family as well.

Mareike is a friendly and loving girl from Germany. She came to America so very well prepared for her experience. She tries everything! She wanted to play "American Football", and so played on the high school's senior "Powder-Puff" team. She will be starting winter track next. She fits into our family so well. She has a great sense of humor and a wonderful sensitivity about her. She quickly adapted to our sarcastic sense of humor, and uses it well. There is very little that is lost in translation. She is open to weekend excursions, going to the mall, or flopping on the couch to watch TV.

All of the girls play around and tease each other as if they had been together their whole life. Currently we are learning about German Christmas traditions. Her mother sent her favorite children's Christmas book and she is translating it on cards for us so we can enjoy it as well. And, she is learning some American traditions as well. She has a new stocking hung by the chimney with care, and a fresh new copy of Clement C. Moore's, The Night Before Christmas. She is also waiting patiently for her chance to sit on Santa's lap!

I mentioned that we are developing a friendship with her family as well. I try to stay in contact with her mother at least weekly. I know that if one of my daughters was somewhere far away with people I didn't know I would want to know what was going on! Teenagers aren't the best at staying in touch, so I try to keep her mother updated and send some pictures occasionally too. I am so excited to meet these people, who are so far away in miles, but so near and dear to my heart.

Mareike says often that she knows she got the best host family. We feel the same way about Mareike as well. We got the best friend, sister, daughter. I know we picked her ourselves, but we did good!

I can't say enough about this whole experience without mentioning our representative, Tracy Coker. She has been so easy to work with and friendly to talk to. I never feel like I am being a bother, and she is so quick to answer any questions I email her with.

So, thanks Ayusa. Thanks for doing such a fantastic job and giving not only the kids, but the host families too, such a great experience.

"My Dream Country Was Called AMERICA"Ruska from Georgia Lives the DreamRead Story

"My Dream Country Was Called AMERICA"

"My Dream Country Was Called AMERICA"

I am a FLEX program student I want to share my story to you.

A lot of years ago, when my brother and I were very little, our parents taught us about the countries from all over the world on globe. We always enjoyed doing it because I liked when I heard many different things about other countries' life and traditions.

America was the one which I remembered very well and easily. There was map of USA in my room and when someone asked me where I wanted to go I just answered that my dream country was called AMERICA. It attracted me with its mysterious and wonderful life.

Years went by and I grew up. Now I am writing about my American life and experience here in America. I am only thinking how helpful this year is for me. I could never imagine that now I would be 15,000 km away from my home country and I just can't realize how far I am. My childhood dream has come true and I am having a beautiful experience with my lovely host family.

I was sure that I would reach my goal and I did it and everyone is proud of me. I flew over the ocean and went half way of the world. I know that now I am the luckiest and happiest girl in the world. I spend time with my host family happily and they are trying their best for me not feel sad. I love them very much; I don't feel that I am not with my own parents.

I am as active as I can be at school, am getting ready for my presentations and often go to the beach with my host mom. I like Oregon very much and try to get many useful skills everyday and be the one of the best students at school.

This year is the best year for me and I am sure that it will change my life forever. It will help me to have a good and wonderful future. Now my family is very happy for me and I am glad that they are proud of me.

German Teenager Recognized by Texas City as an Honorary CitizenMarco from Germany - Star Student of the Month, December 2010Read Story

German Teenager Recognized by Texas City as an Honorary Citizen

German Teenager Recognized by Texas City as an Honorary Citizen

Hailing from Aachen, Marco is not your typical 15-year old exchange student. Although he may look like the average German teenager, Marco is already on his way to bigger and better things.

When he signed up with Ayusa to come to America for a semester, Marco listed as one of his goals that he wanted to become a police officer in the United States. After we successfully matched, Marco and I started to communicate via email and I was able to verify that he indeed had a strong interest in a career in law enforcement.

With this information in hand, I contacted the local chapter of the Police Explorers, an organization affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America offering leadership and training to young men and women between the ages of 14 and 25 interested in law enforcement. I eventually spoke to a Corpus Christi Police Department officer volunteering with the CCPD Police Explorers Post 133 and received an application which I forwarded to Marco.

In becoming an Explorer, Marco has taken his first steps into a career in law enforcement by volunteering at CCPD Headquarters as a dispatcher, at the CCPD Training Center as a role-player helping train police cadets, and as a ride-along participant over the course of several Friday nights. He has also had the opportunity to represent the Corpus Christi Police Department at an official Police Explorers competition in San Antonio this past October, bringing back a first-place trophy for Domestic Disturbance and a third-place trophy for Academic Achievement.

And let's not forget that Marco was also a valuable contributor on his Flour Bluff High School Sophomore Football Team this fall, where his hard work in practice was rewarded on 10/28/2010 with the opportunity to score his first (and only) points of the season on a 2-point conversion.

All of this was accomplished in Marco's first three months on program, and while earning straight A's in the classroom.

I guess a proud daddy can be allowed to boast a little when his kid is such an amazing success and overwhelming pleasure to be around. Marco is not our first exchange student and probably won't be our last but I am certain of at least one thing: he will make all of us very proud one day.

I know he has already done that for me on November 9, 2010, when Mayor Adame made him an Honorary Citizen of Corpus Christi, surrounded by a dozen police officers and CCPD employees who were there to support him. And he will do so again when he returns to South Texas after graduating from high school in Germany to continue his journey towards his lifelong-dream of becoming a police officer.

And I will be right there in the first row when he graduates from the Police Academy proudly beaming with the knowledge that I played a small part in making this moment come true...

The Day Everyone Realized I Was an Exchange StudentYuhan from China - Star Student of the Month, November 2010Read Story

Star Student of the Month, Yuhan

Star Student of the Month, Yuhan

Hi Ayusa,

This is Yuhan, an Ayusa exchange student from China. I live in Broken Arrow, OK and life here is wonderful – I enjoy every day! I love my host family, they are the best!

At school,I am a member of the Tiger TV team and have all A’s in my classes. Every Friday my host family and I sit down and watch my show on Tiger TV.

I have been here for about two months and already joined Student Council, Key Club, Speech Club and Zoology club. Last month, I became the president of the Key Club- the school I go to has 2,000 students, so I feel very happy and excited being a president in such a big school.

In September, I became a volunteer at the Safari's sanctuary zoo and work with animals every Saturday. Also, I was a volunteer at the Tulsa State Fair, helping with the kids and being the gate ambassador.

In our school, there many Asian students, so the students in the school don't know I was an exchange student. They thought I was just a normal Asian. Until One day....I joined the talent show! I sang a Chinese song and translated part of the lyrics into English.

Also, during the homecoming game, I gave flowers to the homecoming queen candidates while people from the whole city came and watched the game.

I have a really good host family too! We share every happy moments of life! We care about each other and enjoy being together!

From Watching American Teenagers on TV to Becoming OneMariami from Georgia - Star Student of the Month, October 2010Read Story

FLEX Exchange Student from Georgia Tells her Story

FLEX Exchange Student from Georgia Tells her Story

I could never imagine that I would have chance to live in USA as an exchange student. When I was in my country I dreamed about reaching my goal: fly over the ocean, visit country of freedom and live as an American teenage girl. I tried my best, I fought for my dreams and I got result, I became a FLEX finalist. I’ll never forget how excited I was. I didn't know what to do; there was not enough space for me on the ground I just wanted to fly!

Now I'm in the most beautiful state of USA with the best host family ever and enjoying being with them. I feel that I'm luckiest person in the world. Several months ago I was just sitting with my friends and watching movie about American teenager’s life. We were thinking about having similar life, same school and such an exciting experience. Now I believe that dreams really come true. I’m part of a big, interesting, different society and his makes my life more interesting.

My host family is very nice, they do their best for me, and I appreciate and love them! I'm part of their family, not a guest!

I like my school. Students are very helpful and open. At first it wasn't easy to find rooms and not to be late for the class, so I asked them and they helped me, showed the way, it made me feel more confident and comfortable. Teachers act as a friends, I feel that they chose this profession not only because they love teaching, they just like having relationship with students and being available for them anytime!

There are so many opportunities to improve your skills, learn many things, meet new people, communicate with them, make friends and have fun! My friend, Armenian exchange student and I created "exchange club" in our school, all exchange students meet each other and plan some presentations. It's very interesting to talk, share and exchange culture with others!

I like every single thing here, even street signs. I love walking, passing people in the street and seeing how they give me smile! I'm sure that every next day will bring me news and make me happier!